How To Boost Your Income With A Flexible Retirement

The Over 50s are flying the flag for flexible working

With the cost of living rising for everyone, many retirees today are worried that their pensions may not be enough for them to enjoy their retirement. This uncertainty is also reflected in employment figures as only 38% of those above the state pension age are in fact fully retired. With the number of over-65 works doubling in the last decade alone, finding a rewarding job that offers the chance to also enjoy your life is no small task.

While older workers may not always feel ahead of the next tech trend in the office, they are in fact championing a new working culture in the UK through working flexibly. ‘Flexible working’ can refer to any working pattern outwith the typical Monday to Friday 9 till 5 and can include part-time, shift work, working from home and job sharing, all options very popular with workers in their 50s, 60s and 70s. On average, workers in their 60s reject the typical 35 hours for a much more manageable 24, offering both a secure income and time to socialise outside of work.

While flexible working can be seen as the solution for older workers wishing to stagger their retirement with further employment, finding quality job vacancies that can offer flexible hours can be difficult.  Following her own struggle to find flexible work after having twins, businesswoman Tracey Eker sought to rectify this problem by launching Flexiworkforce.com, the only UK-wide job site dedicated to flexible jobs.

Discussing the potential of flexible working to empower older workers, Tracey Eker asserts that, ‘Flexible working can be an ideal solution for older workers who working but would like the chance to also enjoy their life a bit more. There are many long-term unemployed workers who have been out of the workforce because of a lack of adequate flexible working but employers are actually desperate for their skills. Through Flexiworkforce we can connect these groups!’

Flexiworkforce will be attending the upcoming ‘The 50+ Show’ in Glasgow this month as well as giving presentations on the potential of flexible working for older workers, including discussion with Jo Swinson, Cabinet Under-Secretary of State for Employment Relations, and the banking chain Santander.

What Mary Portas’ ‘Silver Service’ Can Teach Us About 50+ Workers

Older Candidates Must Not Be ‘Written Off’ By Employers!

On Wednesday 11th, Channel 4 aired a new programme hosted by fashion broadcaster and retail consultant Mary Portas, Silver Service. In the past, Portas has expressed dissatisfaction at the the lack confidence that modern society has on the older generation, who she believes possess a lifetime of skills and experience that any employer would benefit from.

Unfortunately, however, this invaluable talent pool remains sorely underutilised. A tragic 30% of over 65s believe that they serve no purpose to society. And with ageism rife within the workforce, older workers often have a hard time getting into jobs that they are deemed ‘overqualified’ for, others feel forced to retire before they’re ready.

In an attempt to break down barriers, Portas devises a pop-up employment agency, with the aim of providing skilled older people with fulfilling, paid roles. She then provides mentoring to the team of worthy candidates she enlists,  Gloria, aged 71, Robert, aged 82,  John, aged 81, and Maureen, aged 73, and Annie, aged 77. The result is a valuable opportunity to show employers (and society in general) that the skills and know-how of older individuals should not be underestimated.

It is evident that the confidence of the 60+ candidates has been boosted by their experiences: ‘I haven’t past my sell by date by any means!’ remarks one woman.

Mary Portas’ Silver Service is not the first of its kind to be aired on Channel 4. Last September saw the Fabulous Fashionistas redefine the notion of ‘ageing gracefully’, proving that older people are just as valid and indispensable as their younger counterparts. The message is loud and clear- The older generation are skilled, experienced and feisty, and most certainly should never be written off by employers!

A Modern Retirement- Working to Live or Living to Work?

How flexible Working is Altering the Way We See Retirement

Around the world, 1 in 8 workers believe that they will never be affluent enough to fully retire from employment.

Within the UK the average 50-year-old intends to retire at the age of 61.5 years, having paid off their mortgage at 58.5. However, for many, this aspiration is unrealistic. In 2012, it was estimated that around 1.3 million people of retirement age were still in work. Similarly bleak studies have shown that many older workers are not convinced that their pension plan will allow them to live comfortably in retirement.

But perhaps it is necessary to rethink this situation. It should not be assumed that retirement aged workers continue working solely for the income their job provides. For others, their career provides them with fulfilment and satisfaction. That is, many employees over fifty are living to work, rather than working to live. Flexibility, key to maintaining a balance between life and work, is all the more necessary when one approaches retirement age.

Others may choose to volunteer their time; working for a cause they are committed to Jim Finnie, 61 from Perth spends his time volunteering as an adult literacy tutor, an opportunity which he finds extremely fulfilling:

“I feel that working as a volunteer adult literacy tutor is hugely rewarding. You tailor tuition and learning to learners’ preferences and the biggest buzz comes from witnessing them develop their skills and confidence from evident and measurable progress. To an extent you have a “captive” market as they’ve taken the hardest step of accepting they have development needs and they’ve come forward but they quickly see that learning can be so different from the traditional school environment which in all probability failed them. Learning can be great fun and learners always turn up for sessions expressing the sort of gratitude that is invariably lacking in paid work. Everyone has the potential to be literate. It just might take a different way, or a bit longer, to unlock it!”

For the ‘Millennial’ generation, with uncertain financial prospects, it is certain that the average age retirement will be pushed back later and later. Many may never fully retire. As average life-expectancy continues to increase worldwide, the multi-generational workforce will become increasingly diverse, with older workers being highly sought after for their skills and experience.

Flexibility should be the goal for over fifties aiming to retain their independence, or perhaps even strike out on a new career path, without having to endure the taxing demands of a full-time career or conventional working hours.

The Benefits of a Flexible Retirement

5 Ways to Maintain Independence and Forge a Fulfilling Career After 50

Image via Life After 50

It’s 2014 and the UK’s older workers are more resilient, independent and tech-savvy than ever before. Like the majority of countries in the West, we have an aging population and, older workers are vital to the growth and maintenance of the economy. This is partly due to the removal of the previous default retirement age, which means that anyone can now continue working past State Pension age.

Although older workers are prized by many employers, ageism persists as a problem within the UK workforce, and many are victims of prejudice and discrimination at work.

Why should a competent and reliable employee be forced to ditch a career that they love, just because they’re getting on a bit?

Do you love the sense of fulfillment you get from your job? Maybe you’re thinking about starting a new career altogether. There is no time like the present, and age it no barrier to having a great career while the life you want.

1.       Go flexible

Flexible working is the fastest growing form of employment the world over, and can include homeworking, telecommuting, job-sharing and part-time work. Flexible working can be an ideal solution for older workers who enjoy their jobs but who want to slow things down a notch. June’s upcoming changes to flexible working legislation means that every employee will have the right to request flexible working, subject to their employer.

Flexiworkforce is a job site exclusively offering exciting flexible opportunities. Our employers love experienced, skilled and conscientious over 50 workers. Say goodbye to the ‘nine to five’ and say hello to amazing flexible opportunities!

2.       Go freelance

Another option is to take control your own schedule by going freelance.

‘This is especially suitable for seasoned professionals with a wealth of experience and contacts’.

However, even if you have no experience there is nothing to stop you from trying your hand at something new and inspiring. Perhaps you’ve always wanted to go into graphic design? Maybe you feel that now is the time to become a writer. The possibilities of freelance work are endless.

3.       Make your own job

Alternatively, starting your own company may give you a new lease of life, inspiring new goals and broadening your horizons. This needn’t be too much of an upheaval, and could incorporate an existing past-time or hobby, such as dog-walking, jewelry making or even hosting students and teaching English as a foreign language.

4.       Take care of yourself

Of course, this is important at any age, but never more so in your later years.  Remember to take care of your body by eating well, doing regular exercise including muscle-strengthening activities. Build a strong support network around you so you always have someone to turn to when stressed or in need to guidance.

Being proactive by doing a job you love can do wonders for your mental health and may even stave off degenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s.

5.       Love your life.

It goes without saying that you should enjoy this period of your life, so it is important to not let stress take over. Don’t commit yourself to a working schedule which is detrimental to your overall well being. Take time to do what you love, see family and friends often and nurture hobbies and pastimes that bring you joy.

Image via Sydney Morning Herald